Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Limited (GACL), one of the leading chlor-alkali majors in the country, flagged off the first lot of Benzyl Chloride on 21st April 2025. The flag-off was done virtually by Smt. Avantika Singh, IAS, Managing Director of GACL, in the presence of senior executives of GACL and others. Earlier, the Honourable Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel had virtually inaugurated the plant on 29th March 2025.
GACL has established India’s largest Chlorotoluenes Plant, with an annual production capacity of 30,000 MT, at Dahej. The Chlorotoluenes Project is a strategic initiative by GACL to enhance the utilization of chlorine, a co-product of caustic soda, by converting it into value-added downstream products. This state-of-the-art facility will manufacture 13,200 MTPA Benzyl Chloride, 9,600 MTPA Benzyl Alcohol, and 7,200 MTPA Benzaldehyde—key raw materials for the perfumery, pharmaceutical, flavouring, and solvent industries. Production of Benzyl Alcohol and Benzaldehyde is expected to start in the month of May.
This Chlorotoluenes plant will utilize toluene and chlorine as key raw materials. The project is expected to generate annual revenue of approximately ₹400 Crores when operated at full capacity, including exports worth ₹130 Crores to Europe, USA, and South Asia. Additionally, it will create significant employment opportunities, with 150–200 direct jobs and 800–1000 indirect jobs, contributing to the nation’s economic growth.
GACL remains committed to innovation, sustainability, and self-reliance, continuing its legacy as a pioneer in the chemical sector.
